HGTV Green Home 2008: Front Porch and GMC Yukon Hybrid

A welcoming front porch, rainwater-pervious front walk and driveway, hybrid vehicle in the drive and sustainable landscape design all contribute to a worthy first impression at HGTV's 2008 Green Home.

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Green Home: Front Porch and Entryway

This gracious front porch  the first of the home's four porches  imbues the Green Home with its classic, low country charm. The tall front door, flanked by side lights, creates design symmetry that continues throughout the home. Thick flashing around doors and windows keeps the home dry during rainy winters and humid summers.

Front-Porch Seating

Interior designer Linda Woodrum created two comfortable seating areas on the porch, each with wicker chairs whose cushions are upholstered in eco-friendly fabric.

Front Entry and Brick Stair

A wide brick staircase leads to the front garden, which features a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants that reduce the need for irrigation and fertilization. The yard is large enough for children to play in, but small enough to mow with an old-fashioned push mower, eliminating the need for a fossil-fueled lawn mower.

Permeable Surfaces and Natural Irrigation

Permeable concrete pavers  used on the front patio, sidewalk and double ribbon driveway  harvest and filter rainwater, purifying it before it reaches the water table. The Tradition community collects storm water from the street, stores it in a network of retention ponds then uses it to irrigate neighborhood lawns. The home's rain-sensing irrigation system automatically restricts the home's system during wet weather.